South Shore Record 02_26_2026

RecoRD South Shore

Communities affected by blizzard

Record breaking snowfall

H-W mock trial places in comp.

page 3

Kids in the Tree of Life Program at Trinity StJohn’s Church in Hewlett served up breakfast at their pancake dinner, on Feb. 17. The children dished out pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, fruit, coffee and orange juice. The cost was $15 per adult and $10 per child.

Families gathered together for a night of enjoyment while raising money for the church.

The Tree of Life Program is a non-traditional Sunday school that uses fast-paced interactive curriculum where kids are joined with parents, according to Trinity St-John’s Church. Each

child must be accompanied by at least one adult who will participate fully in the experience.

“Learning together about

God’s constant love,’ the church wrote on their website. “The

of Life.”

— Melissa Berman

Nominate a student under 18 for the Sustainability Champion Award to recognize their efforts in driving sustainable change.

Submit a nomination of approximately 100 words or less describing the student’s leadership in promoting sustainability: What motivates them? What impact have they had?

Be sure to include a photo or an example of their work—whether it’s a community garden, an environmental campaign, or a creative solution to a sustainability challenge.

Blizzard blankets Five Towns and Atlantic Beach

By AIDAN WARSHAVSKY awarshavsky@liherald.com

Just as most of the remnants from January’s winter storm had melted away, a new blizzard dumped two feet of snow on the community.

The storm, which intensified late last week, prompted Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Gov. Kathy Hochul to declare a state of emergency on Feb. 21. Hochul also stationed 100 members of the New York National Guard across downstate New York and activated the state Emergency Operations Center in Albany.

Both the Peninsula Public Library and Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library were closed to begin the week. Students in Hewlett-Woodmere and Lawrence got an extended break as schools remained closed on Monday and Tuesday.

At 1 a.m. on Sunday, the MTA and LIRR announced a “proactive service suspension,” which carried into the middle of the week for the Far Rockaway line. MTA service was restored on Tuesday morning.

Town of Hempstead crews worked from Sunday night into Tuesday morning, performing curb-to-curb cleanups across 1,200 miles of roadway.

In Cedarhurst, Mayor Benjamin Weinstock worked with the Department of Public Works Sunday night into Monday morning. On the village’s Facebook page, the board of trustees released a statement, thanking Weinstock and pub-

lic works crews for clearing streets in frigid, windy conditions.

“Yes, it may be your job—but when you go above and beyond because you

truly care, it means everything to our village,” the statement read.

State Assemblyman Ari Brown, who resides in Cedarhurst, thanked village and town officials, as well as the Department of Public Works crews for their service during the storm and reminded residents to remain indoors. “Stay off the roads if you can and please check on your elderly neighbors,” he said.

To prevent pipes from freezing, residents in Atlantic Beach were advised to keep their thermostats set at a minimum of 60 degrees and allow faucets along exterior walls to drip slightly, according to village officials.

With wind gusts nearing 43 miles per hour, officials also urged residents to secure outdoor furniture and loose items, and to move their vehicles off the streets to assist with snow removal and emergency access.

On Monday, PSEG Long Island deployed more than 600 line workers, tree trimmers, surveyors, and other personnel to help more than 45,000 customers without power, as winds exceeding 40 miles per hour knocked down trees and wires. As of Tuesday morning, 98 percent of all outages were resolved, including new ones from overnight winds. PSEG reminded both customers and residents to always stay away from downed wires, and to never drive over them or stand near them.

H-W takes the stand at preliminary mock trials

By AIDAN WARSHAVSKY awarshavsky@liherald.com

Students in Hewlett High School’s Mock Trial Club are strengthening life skills while competing in this year’s New York State High School Mock Trial Program. The program, which follows a tournament-like structure, allows students to gain exposure to courtroom procedures. Hewlett’s 12-member mock trial club is one of 46 teams in their region, and one of 400 schools across the state.

This year’s mock trial follows two fictional characters—A. Carmen Erickson and Carson Blocker—accused of stealing used cooking oil from a bar and restaurant. Club members also portray witnesses during the trial. Hewlett’s 12 students are divided into defense and prosecution teams, with three witnesses and three attorneys on each side.

“Success in the tournament hinges on a student’s reading comprehension and understanding of the facts,” Club Advisor Daniel Birkenstock said. “At every turn, the students must think about the story they’re trying to tell the judge.”

Hewlett dominated its Feb. 4 preliminary round, Birkenstock said, adding that they argued the case clearly and made strong objections. “They did a great job,” he said.

Their success has drawn the attention of their mentor, Judge Sean Wright of the state’s 10th Judicial District, which covers Nassau and Suffolk counties. Wright, whose daughter, Samantha Wright, attends the high school, said

that the club’s student leadership and collective critical thinking skills have allowed them to excel.

“I love seeing the kids that come with enthusiasm,” he said. “It’s a joy to teach those kids.”

Wright reviews team materials, like affidavits, helping students recognize strengths and weaknesses in the case.

He shows them how to prepare strategic objections and how to respond when opposing counsel challenges them.

“Students have to learn to think on their feet,” Wright said. “Learn to ask questions and learn how to get around problems.”

The club has also helped strengthen relationships between students. Elenor

Pinkhasov, a junior and captain in the club, and freshman Elexis Weisner knew each other from Hewlett’s theater program and have worked closely together in the club. Pinkhasov acts as the defense attorney for Weisner, who plays A. Carmen Erickson.

Weisner said the club has helped sharpen both her confidence in public speaking and her analytical skills. Pinkhasov would explain to her what she should say, and the two would practice with their information to make sure they “put out the character.”

“She was the one who trained me,” Weisner said. “I loved working with her.”

Pinkhasov joined the club in 2023 as a freshman at Hewlett because of her sister, Abigail Pinkhasov, and said she plans to pursue a career in law. Pinkhasov said understanding courtroom dynamics involves knowing how to “play the game” and having sound reasoning to win.

“It’s how you present the case more than what’s actually in it,” she said. “For mock trial, judges give us points on how we present the information we have.”

With the club aiming to reach the county finals on March 30 in Mineola, Pinkhasov said she and fellow junior captain Danielle Kotlyar want to win.

“Both of us are very passionate about this,” Pinkhasov said. “We’ve gone through audition videos very carefully, and we really want to make this a solid team.”

HERALD EDitoRiAL

Long Island students need news literacy

On Long Island, where school boards debate curriculum priorities and districts navigate tight budgets, one subject can no longer be treated as optional: media literacy.

Across Nassau and Suffolk counties, students scroll through a relentless stream of headlines, commentary and viral content, frequently without formal instruction on how to tell the difference between verified reporting and misinformation.

In an era when misinformation travels faster than facts and algorithms reward outrage over accuracy, the future of journalism and civic trust hinges on what young people understand about news.

A November 2025 study from the News Literacy Project makes the stakes unmistakably clear: Teenagers are not rejecting journalism outright, but they are struggling to distinguish it from everything else crowding their feeds.

The nationwide study builds on a troubling News Literacy Project 2024 finding that 45 percent of teens believed journalists harmed democracy. But the new research goes further, examining not just skepticism but the roots of distrust — and the confusion at its core.

Teens often lump professional reporting, partisan commentary and outright online misinformation into a single category: “news.” When everything looks the same, nothing earns trust. However, there is a mandate for action. An overwhelming 94 percent of teens said news or

media literacy should be part of their education. They are not tuning out because they don’t care. They are asking for help.

The problem is access. Only 39 percent of students reported receiving any media literacy instruction during the prior school year. More than six in 10 teens are left to decode a complex information ecosystem by themselves. They scroll through algorithm-driven headlines, influencer commentary masquerading as reporting and viral misinformation engineered for emotional impact — often without being taught how to verify a claim or evaluate a source.

That gap isn’t just an educational oversight. It is a civic vulnerability. According to Donnell Probst, executive director of the National Association for Media Literacy Education, the most effective time to teach these skills is early, before beliefs harden and misinformation calcifies into identity.

Encouragingly, instruction works. Students who had lessons in media literacy were more likely to seek out news, and reported higher levels of trust in journalists. This is measurable impact backed by research.

Long Island school districts should take note. Across Nassau and Suffolk counties, some schools offer journalism electives or student newspapers. Others offer none. According to a 2022 survey by Baruch College, 73 percent of New York City public schools lacked student newspapers — with access concentrated in private and selective schools. The same inequities

NEws bRiEf

often surface on Long Island, where opportunities vary widely by district.

The decline of school newspapers and journalism classes compounds the media literacy crisis. These programs teach students what real journalism requires: cultivating sources, verifying facts, and asking tough follow-up questions.

If we want a generation that values journalism, we must first ensure that it understands journalism. This isn’t a “kids these days” problem. It is a larger one — and it is also a business imperative for local news organizations across Long Island. If the next generation cannot differentiate between a reported investigation and a viral conspiracy thread, it will not subscribe to, support or defend professional journalism.

Doubling down on media literacy in school curriculums is no longer optional. It should be embedded across grade levels, integrated into English and social studies classes and reinforced through experiential learning like student newsrooms. Policymakers should treat media literacy as foundational civic infrastructure, not a niche elective.

News organizations on Long Island must also step forward and partner with schools, open newsrooms, support media literacy initiatives and provide mentorship and transparency about how reporting is done.

The answer isn’t louder defenses of journalism, but deeper public understanding — teaching media literacy so people can recognize misinformation and think critically for themselves.

The Village of Lawrence invited Easy Ariel to relocate their operations from Brooklyn

The Village of Lawrence has invited Easy Aerial, a drone technology company, to relocate its operations to the community following uncertainty surrounding its lease at the Brooklyn Navy Yard.

Village officials said the invitation comes after New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s decision not to renew the company’s lease, as well as broader concerns about the business climate for companies connected to Israel and the Jewish community.

“Lawrence is a village open to all,”

Mayor Samuel Nahmias wrote in a statement. “We believe innovation, enterprise and technological advancement should be encouraged based on their merit and contribution to society.”

Easy Aerial specializes in advanced drone systems used for infrastructure protection, emergency response and national security. Village leaders described the company as an example of modern innovation and said its work aligns with Lawrence’s commitment to supporting forward-looking industries.

Located on the border of New York City, Lawrence offers access to the region’s workforce, transportation networks and commercial infrastructure, officials said, while also providing a stable and business-friendly environment.

The village said it is prepared to work with the Town of Hempstead to explore potential incentives, including Industrial Development Agency support and payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreements, to help facilitate relocation and job creation.

Officials added that they have been in consultation with Assemblyman Ari Brown, ranking member of the State Assembly’s Local Governments Committee, and expressed confidence in their ability to assist with a smooth transition.

Village leaders said they are ready to help Easy Aerial identify suitable facilities, coordinate approvals and establish operations in Lawrence.

— Melissa Berman

things to know celebrating purim

3 Things to Know: The holiday of Purim

By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com

Purim is a joyous Jewish festival commemorating the survival of the Jews who were marked for annihilation in ancient Persia in the 5th century BCE, as told in

n The story of rescue from ancient Persia n

Purim is a joyous Jewish festival commemorating the survival of the Jews who, as narrated in the biblical Book of Esther, had been doomed to annihilation in Persia in the 5th century BCE. The festival is based on events set during the Babylonian Captivity in the capital city Shushan and the palace of Persian King Ahasuerus, often identified with Xerxes of the Achaemenian Dynasty. The villain Haman, a descendant of the Amalekites and the king’s chief minister, drew lots (Hebrew: purim) to decide on a date for the destruction of all Jews in the kingdom, setting the 13th of Adar as the day. Queen Esther, who had hidden her Jewish identity, risked her life by going uninvited to the king to reveal Haman’s plot and save her people. After the king granted the Jews permission to defend themselves, they achieved victory over their enemies, and the following day became a holiday named Purim, alluding to the lots Haman had cast.

the biblical Book of Esther, where Queen Esther risked her life to reveal the villain Haman’s plot and save her people. Jews worldwide enjoy traditional three-cornered pastries called hamantaschen (filled with poppy seeds, prune, or apricot) or Sephardi treats like folares and ojos de Haman, which symbolically represent the destruction of the evil Haman.

The observance of Purim begins with the Fast of Esther on Adar 13, the day preceding the primary holiday. The sages of the Talmud listed four mitzvot (commandments) to be observed on Purim: hearing the recitation of the Book of Esther, giving donations to the poor, exchanging gifts with friends, and feasting. During the public reading of the megillah (scroll) of the Book of Esther, whenever Haman’s name is said, Jews often respond by shaking loud rattles called gragers to drown out the name associated with evil. The holiday has a carnival atmosphere involving costumes, partying, and even religiously condoned inebriation, with the Babylonian Talmud suggesting that a Purim celebrant ought to be so intoxicated that he does not know how to distinguish between cursed is Haman and blessed is Mordecai. Since the 16th century in Europe it has become a tradition for synagogues to hold a carnivalesque Purim play in which celebrants dress in costumes related to the story.

Purim 2026 begins at sundown on Monday, March 2, and concludes at nightfall on Tuesday, March 3.The holiday occurs on the 14th of Adar in the Jewish calendar, falling in February or March on the Gregorian calendar, while in Jerusalem, Shushan, and other ancient walled cities, the holiday is celebrated as Shushan Purim on the 15th of Adar. For Jews around the world this festive holiday is inextricable from its emblematic three-cornered pastries called hamantaschen. Originally filled with poppy seeds, these treats are now found stuffed with a wide variety of sweet fillings, frequently prune or apricot. Sephardi Jews originating in the eastern Mediterranean make folares, a hard-boiled egg baked inside of a cage-like pastry, while Moroccan Jews make ojos de Haman, which bakes hard-boiled eggs into a pastry made to look like a pair of eyes that celebrants later rip out, symbolizing the destruction of the evil Haman.

Icons. Insights. Impact.

Traveling the world with Gan Chamesh

Students at Gan Chamesh, Chabad of the Five Towns’ preschool recently traveled the globe without leaving their classroom as part of the school’s Travelmania program.

Young learners explored the cultures of China and Mexico through hands-on activities and lessons. In their “visit” to Mexico, students examined sombreros, learned to say “hola,” and enjoyed a snack of chips and salsa. During their exploration of China, they observed traditional clothing and accessories such as kimonos, pointy hats, paper umbrellas and lanterns. They also learned that rice is a staple food eaten with chopsticks and practiced saying “ni hao.”

The Travelmania program introduces children to the cultures, clothing, languages and customs of countries around

Courtesy Keri Naiman

Students at Gan Chamesh, Chabad of the Five Towns’ preschool recently traveled the globe without leaving their classroom as part of the school’s Travelmania program.

the world. It also highlights that Jewish communities exist globally, where people practice mitzvot, study Torah and attend synagogue.

— Melissa Berman

Courtesy Episcopal Health Services

Staff at Episcopal Health Services wore red to promote heart health awareness and support efforts to build healthier communities.

EHS staff mark Heart Health Month with “Wear Red Day”

In recognition of American Heart Health Month and “Wear Red Day,” staff at Episcopal Health Services wore red to promote heart health awareness and support efforts to build healthier communities.

Hospital officials said the initiative highlights the importance of prevention, education and access to quality cardiac

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU

WELLS FARGO BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR ASSET

BACKED SECURITIES CORPORATION HOME

EQUITY LOAN TRUST

2003-HE6 ASSET BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES

2003-HE6, -againstRENEE LIPSCHIK, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in

the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on November 17, 2017, wherein WELLS FARGO BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR ASSET BACKED SECURITIES CORPORATION HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST 2003-HE6 ASSET BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES

2003-HE6 is the Plaintiff and RENEE LIPSCHIK, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE

care. EHS encourages community members to adopt heart-healthy habits, including eating well, staying physically active and prioritizing sleep, which can help reduce heart disease risks and save lives.

For more information about Episcopal Health Services’ cardiology services, visit ehs.org/cardiology.

— Melissa Berman

Marketplace

Help Wanted

EDITOR/REPORTER

Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K

To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales

Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $35,360 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286

PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing

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STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on March 9, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 1149 EAST BROADWAY, HEWLETT, NY 11557; and the following tax map identification: 41-1-620. ALL THAT CERTAIN LOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN HEWLETT, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NASSAU COUNTY, STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index

No.: 008022/2015.

Avrohom Y. Gefen, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 158240

postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multi-task, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. Salary Range is $17 per hour to $20 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: circulationassociate@liherald.com

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Full Time and Part Time

Positions Available!

Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

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